CompTIA - Secure Infrastructure Specialist (A+ Network+ Security+) certification

Curriculum

CompTIA A+ 220-901

Hardware

• Given a scenario, configure settings and use BIOS/UEFI tools on a PC
• Explain the importance of motherboard components, their purpose and properties
• Compare and contrast various RAM types and their features
• Install and configure PC expansion cards
• Install and configure storage devices and use appropriate media
• Install various types of CPUs and apply the appropriate cooling methods
• Compare and contrast various PC connection interfaces, their characteristics and purpose
• Install a power supply based on given specifications
• Given a scenario, select the appropriate components for a custom PC configuration to meet customer specifications or needs
• Compare and contrast types of display devices and their features
• Identify common PC connector types and associated cables
• Install and configure common peripheral devices
• Install SOHO multifunction device/printers and configure appropriate settings
• Compare and contrast differences between the various print technologies and the associated imaging process
• Given a scenario, perform appropriate printer maintenance

Networking

• Identify the various types of network cables and connectors
• Compare and contrast the characteristics of connectors and cabling
• Explain the properties and characteristics of TCP/IP
• Explain common TCP and UDP ports, protocols and their purpose
• Compare and contrast various Wi-Fi networking standards and encryption types
• Given a scenario, install and configure SOHO wireless/ wired router and apply appropriate settings
• Compare and contrast Internet connection types, network types and their features
• Compare and contrast network architecture devices, their functions and features
• Use appropriate networking tools

Mobile Devices

• Install and configure laptop hardware and components
• Explain the function of components within the display of a laptop
• Given a scenario, use appropriate laptop features
• Explain the characteristics of various types of other mobile devices
• Compare and contrast accessories and ports of other mobile devices

Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

• Troubleshoot common problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU and power with appropriate tools
• Troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays with appropriate tools
• Troubleshoot common video, projector and display issues
• Troubleshoot wired and wireless networks with appropriate tools
• Troubleshoot and repair common mobile device issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures
• Troubleshoot printers with appropriate tools

CompTIA A+ 220-902

Windows Operating Systems

• Compare and contrast various features and requirements of Microsoft Operating Systems (Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1)
• Install Windows PC operating systems using appropriate methods
• Apply appropriate Microsoft command line tools
• Use appropriate Microsoft operating system features and tools
• Use Windows Control Panel utilities
• Install and configure Windows networking on a client/desktop
• Perform common preventive maintenance procedures using the appropriate Windows OS tools

Other Operating Systems and Technologies

• Identify common features and functionality of the Mac OS and Linux operating systems
• Set up and use client-side virtualisation
• Identify basic cloud concepts
• Summarise the properties and purpose of services provided by networked hosts
• Identify basic features of mobile operating systems
• Install and configure basic mobile device network connectivity and email
• Summarise methods and data related to mobile device synchronisation

Security

• Identify common security threats and vulnerabilities
• Compare and contrast common prevention methods
• Compare and contrast differences of basic Windows OS security settings
• Deploy and enforce security best practices to secure a workstation
• Compare and contrast various methods for securing mobile devices
• Use appropriate data destruction and disposal methods
• Secure SOHO wireless and wired networks

Software Troubleshooting

• Troubleshoot PC operating system problems with appropriate tools
• Troubleshoot common PC security issues with appropriate tools and best practices
• Troubleshoot common mobile OS and application issues with appropriate tools
• Troubleshoot common mobile OS and application security issues with appropriate tools

Operational Procedures

• Use appropriate safety procedures
• Given a scenario with potential environmental impacts, apply the appropriate controls
• Summarise the process of addressing prohibited content/ activity, and explain privacy, licensing and policy concepts
• Demonstrate proper communication techniques and professionalism
• Explain the troubleshooting theory

Network+ N10-006

Network architecture

• Explain the functions and applications of various network devices
• Compare and contrast the use of networking services and applications
• Install and configure the following networking services/applications
• Explain the characteristics and benefits of various WAN technologies
• Install and properly terminate various cable types and connectors using appropriate tools
• Differentiate between common network topologies
• Differentiate between network infrastructure implementations
• Given a scenario, implement and configure the appropriate addressing schema
• Explain the basics of routing concepts and protocols
• Identify the basics elements of unified communication technologies
• Compare and contrast technologies that support cloud and virtualisation
• Given a set of requirements, implement a basic network

Network operations

• Use appropriate monitoring tools
• Analyse metrics and reports from monitoring and tracking performance tools
• Use appropriate resources to support configuration management
• Explain the importance of implementing network segmentation
• Install and apply patches and updates
• Configure a switch using proper features
• Install and configure wireless LAN infrastructure and implement the appropriate technologies in support of wireless capable devices

Network security

• Compare and contrast risk related concepts
• Compare and contrast common network vulnerabilities and threats
• Implement network hardening techniques
• Compare and contrast physical security controls
• Install and configure a basic firewall
• Explain the purpose of various network access control models
• Summarise basic forensic concepts

Troubleshooting

• Implement network troubleshooting methodology
• Analyse and interpret the output of troubleshooting tools
• Common troubleshooting issues:
• Wireless
• Copper cable
• Fibre cable
• Network
• Security
• WAN

Industry standards, practices, and network theory

• Analyse a scenario and determine the corresponding OSI layer
• Explain the basics of network theory and concepts
• Deploy the appropriate wireless standard
• Deploy the appropriate wired connectivity standard
• Implement the appropriate policies or procedures
• Summarise safety practices
• Install and configure equipment in the appropriate location using best practices
• Explain the basics of change management procedures
• Compare and contrast ports and protocols
• Configure and apply the appropriate ports and protocols

Security+

1.0 Network Security

• 1.1 Implement security configuration parameters on network devices and other technologies.
• 1.2 Given a scenario, use secure network administration principles.
• 1.3 Explain network design elements and components.
• 1.4 Given a scenario, implement common protocols and services.
• 1.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot security issues related to wireless networking.

2.0 Compliance and Operational Security

• 2.1 Explain the importance of risk related concepts.
• 2.2 Summarise the security implications of integrating systems and data with third parties.
• 2.3 Given a scenario, implement appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
• 2.4 Given a scenario, implement basic forensic procedures.
• 2.5 Summarise common incident response procedures.
• 2.6 Explain the importance of security related awareness and training.
• 2.7 Compare and contrast physical security and environmental controls.
• 2.8 Summarise risk management best practices.
• 2.9 Given a scenario, select the appropriate control to meet the goals of security.

3.0 Threats and Vulnerabilities

• 3.1 Explain types of malware.
• 3.2 Summarise various types of attacks.
• 3.3 Summarise social engineering attacks and the associated effectiveness with each attack.
• 3.4 Explain types of wireless attacks.
• 3.5 Explain types of application attacks.
• 3.6 Analyse a scenario and select the appropriate type of mitigation and deterrent techniques.
• 3.7 Given a scenario, use appropriate tools and techniques to discover security threats and vulnerabilities.
• 3.8 Explain the proper use of penetration testing versus vulnerability scanning.

4.0 Application, Data and Host Security

• 4.1 Explain the importance of application security controls and techniques.
• 4.2 Summarise mobile security concepts and technologies.
• 4.3 Given a scenario, select the appropriate solution to establish host security.
• 4.4 Implement the appropriate controls to ensure data security.
• 4.5 Compare and contrast alternative methods to mitigate security risks in static environments.

5.0 Access Control and Identity Management

• 5.1 Compare and contrast the function and purpose of authentication services.
• 5.2 Given a scenario, select the appropriate authentication, authorisation or access control.
• 5.3 Install and configure security controls when performing account management, based on best practices.

6.0 Cryptography

• 6.1 Given a scenario, utilise general cryptography concepts.
• 6.2 Given a scenario, use appropriate cryptographic methods.
• 6.3 Given a scenario, use appropriate PKI, certificate management and associated components.